1. ‘You’ en Español
Tú vs. Usted

2. Well, for most Spanish speakers there are TWO ways to say “you”!!!
*At least when you’re speaking to just one person! Tú
Usted
&

3. Tú
Tú is the FAMILIAR form of ‘you’ in Spanish. It is used when talking to:
Friends
Family
People Your Own Age
Children
Pets

4. Usted
Usted is the more FORMAL version of ‘you’. It is used when talking to:
Strangers
People Older Than You
Authority Figures
People You’ve Just Met

5. In writing, usted is almost always abbreviated.
Ud.
*It’s also always capitalized.

6. Tú vs. Usted
Let’s look at the singular forms first. Each one has a specific time when it used. If you use the wrong one, it can be offensive to the person with whom you are speaking

7. Tú vs. Usted
Tú (singular familiar) is used with people that you are familiar with or someone that you refer to by their first name.
Usted (Ud.) (singular formal) is used with a person who you should respect, for example a doctor, teacher, elder, or an unknown person.

8. Tú vs Usted Tú = you (informal/ Usted (Ud.) = you (formal) familiar)
Use “tú” when talking to people with whom you are on a first name basis.
friends
family
small children
people younger than you
pets
Usted (Ud.) = you (formal)
Use “Usted” when talking with people to whom you should show respect.
People in authority
(police, teachers, bosses, etc.)
Strangers
Acquaintances
Adults

9. Tú o Usted?
Your Little Cousin Tú

10. Tú o Usted?
el Doctor Morales
Usted

11. Tú o Usted?
la Señora Hidalgo
Usted

12. Tú o Usted?
Tu amigo Carlos Tú

13. Tú o Usted?
Pepa Tú

14. Tú o Usted?
Your Boss
Usted

15. Tú o Usted?
Your Grandma Tú

16. Tú o Usted?
Uncle Enrique Tú

17. Tú o Usted?
Your Friend’s Mom
Usted

18. Tú o Usted?
Your Friend’s Sister Tú

19. Tú o Usted?
Professor McBoring
Usted